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Postoperative fever after major abdominal surgery.

F S Jørgensen1, C G Sørensen, J Kjaergaard

  • 1Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Annales Chirurgiae Et Gynaecologiae
|January 1, 1988
PubMed
Summary

Postoperative fever affects 43% of patients after major abdominal surgery. Identifying an infection source, like pulmonary or wound infections, correlated with longer fever duration.

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Area of Science:

  • Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Postoperative fever is a common complication following major abdominal surgery.
  • Understanding the causes and characteristics of fever is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and characteristics of postoperative fever in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.
  • To identify common sources (foci) of fever and their impact on fever severity and duration.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 608 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery.
  • Definition of fever: temperature >= 38°C on at least two consecutive measurements.
  • Categorization of patients based on the presence or absence of a demonstrable fever focus.

Main Results:

  • Fever developed in 43% (259/608) of patients.
  • A fever focus was identified in 36% (93/259) of febrile patients.
  • Most frequent fever foci included pulmonary, wound, and urinary infections.
  • Patients with an identified focus experienced longer fever duration and higher maximum temperatures compared to those without a focus.
  • The time from surgery to fever onset was similar in both groups.

Conclusions:

  • Postoperative fever is a significant concern after major abdominal surgery.
  • Infections are the primary identifiable cause of fever, with pulmonary, wound, and urinary sites being most common.
  • The presence of an infection focus is associated with more severe and prolonged fever, necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment.

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